Croatia wear famous 2018 World Cup kits for last time

ZAGREB, 20 November 2019 – Croatia’s 2-1 victory last night against Georgia in Pula will not be remembered for too much, but it will likely be remembered as the last match played in what has become an iconic Croatia kit.

Croatia’s black and navy blue with supersize checkers reserve kit was made famous at the 2018 World Cup in Russia when it was worn in wins against Argentina, Iceland, Denmark, Russia and England in the semi-final. It was worn in all but two matches at the World Cup, the opener against Nigeria and the final against France, and become a fan favourite as the team were unbeaten in it.

The black and navy kit was first presented in March 2018 and was first worn in a friendly against Peru in Miami on March 23, 2018.

Saturday’s match against Slovakia was the last time this version of the iconic red and white checkered home kit will be worn in an official match.

“The checks are probably two or three times bigger than they have been in the past. This is a real statement. It is about being bold and beautiful. These oversize in-your-face checks represent a true depth of pride,” said Pete Hoppins, Senior Creative Director at Nike Football when the kit was unveiled last year.

It is the only Croatia kit ever worn in a World Cup final and will be a collectors item in years to come.

Nike and the Croatian Football Federation will unveil a new kit for Euro 2020 in spring next year. The common practice has been that the new kits are unveiled in March.

“The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) and the Vatreni are looking forward to presenting another edition of the Croatian kit in collaboration with Nike, and we are sure that the fans will accept the jersey with the same enthusiasm as the recognisable shirts worn by the Croatian national team at the World Cup in Russia,” HNS said in a statement, adding that leaks online of the new kit are “incorrect and do not represent the shirt that the Croatian national team will wear in 2020.”

Croatia will begin the build-up to Euro 2020 with friendlies starting in March 2020.